The Dutch Solid Start program: describing the implementation and experiences of the program's first thousand days.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Policy
• Child Development

Background:

• The Dutch Solid Start program, initiated in 2018, targets the first thousand days of life (preconception to age two).
• It aims to improve child well-being, especially for vulnerable families, by enhancing medical and social sector collaboration.
• Key to the program are Solid Start coalitions designed to foster inter-sectoral partnerships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of the Dutch Solid Start program.
• To assess the extent of Solid Start implementation across municipalities.
• To understand stakeholders' experiences with program implementation and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative data collected via questionnaires from 352 Dutch municipalities (2019-2021).
• Qualitative data gathered through focus groups (n=6) and interviews (n=19) with diverse stakeholders.
• Analysis employed descriptive statistics for quantitative data and the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care for qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Solid Start coalitions grew significantly (40 in 2019 to 140 in 2021), increasing cross-sectoral collaboration.
• Stakeholders reported increased urgency regarding the first thousand days and improved professional relationships.
• Barriers included limited resources and regulations; needs identified were sustainable funding, supportive policies, and client involvement.

Conclusions:

• Solid Start has driven incremental improvements in cross-sectoral care for the first thousand days.
• The program has not fundamentally transformed systemic structures.
• Addressing needs like sustainable funding is vital for program longevity and impact.